6 easy steps: How to Become a Truck Driver & More Tips

Becoming a truck driver requires a combination of physical, mental, and practical skills. While it may not be necessarily “hard,” it does require dedication and training.

Is It Hard To Become a Truck Driver?

First, you will need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) which requires passing a written exam and a skills test. You’ll need to learn how to operate a commercial vehicle and understand the safety regulations and rules of the road.

Additionally, you’ll need to have good communication skills, the ability to stay alert for long hours, and the physical ability to handle a large vehicle. It’s also important to have a clean driving record and be able to pass a background check and drug test.

While there are training programs available to help prepare you for a career as a truck driver, it still requires hard work and dedication to develop the necessary skills and gain experience. It can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy driving and being on the road.

With these simple requirements and many opportunities to find a job in the field, there are many truck driver benefits.

How to Become a Truck Driver

Here are the general steps to becoming a truck driver:

1. Meet the requirements: To become a truck driver, you need to be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving), have a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. You also need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug test.
2. Get a commercial driver’s license (CDL): You will need to obtain a CDL by passing a written exam and a driving skills test. The CDL will depend on the type of vehicle you want to operate, such as a Class A CDL for combination vehicles or a Class B CDL for single vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds.
3. Attend a truck driving school: You can enroll in a truck driving school to receive formal training on how to operate a commercial vehicle, learn safety regulations, and gain driving experience.
4. Gain experience: Many trucking companies require drivers to have some experience before hiring them. You can gain experience by working for smaller trucking companies or as an owner-operator.
5. Find a job: Once you have your CDL and experience, you can start looking for a job as a truck driver. You can search for job openings online, through trucking associations, or by reaching out to trucking companies directly.To start applying browse job boards such as monster.com or indeed.com. You can also check these sites dedicated to trucking jobs:：
   • http://jobsintrucks.com/
   • http://www.classadrivers.com/
   • https://layover.com/
   • https://www.truckdrivingjobs.com/
   • https://www.cdljobs.com/
   • https://cdlmatch.com/
   • https://www.alltruckjobs.com/
   • https://www.thetruckersreport.com/
6. Continue training: As a truck driver, it’s important to continue your education and stay up-to-date with changes in the industry. You may need to attend safety training courses or obtain additional certifications as required by your employer.

Overall, becoming a truck driver requires a combination of training, experience, and dedication. It’s important to take the time to learn the necessary skills and gain experience before pursuing a career as a truck driver.

How Much Can Truck Drivers Make?

The amount of money that a truck driver can make varies based on several factors, including experience, type of driving, location, and the company they work for.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $48,380 as of May 2020. The highest 10 percent of earners made more than $66,840 per year, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,590 per year.

However, it’s important to note that long-haul truck drivers who drive cross-country and spend long periods on the road tend to earn more than local or regional drivers who make shorter trips. Additionally, experienced drivers, those with specialized skills or certifications, and those who work for larger companies or carriers may earn more than those just starting in the industry.

Truck drivers may also earn bonuses or incentives based on performance, safe driving, and meeting delivery goals. Furthermore, some companies may offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Overall, the earning potential of a truck driver varies depending on multiple factors, but it is possible to earn a good salary as a truck driver, especially with experience and dedication.